That's resourceful, I like it.

Suggestions...maybe reorient it top side so it's not a knee killer and easier to access?

 

Thanks man. With this setup, there is lots of room for adjustability. Torch can go forward or back, above or below the bars, and of course different steering stems have variable lengths and angles. This is my prototype, and I may very well end up with something a little more refined.

 

Glad this setup works for you. The torch does look somewhat big so you probably do need something strong enough to hold it in place. That said there are many torches that use 18650 cells that are easy to mount to the bars and can provide 800 or more lumen ( not to mention they are much smaller in form factor...a big plus ). You can buy cheap handlebar torch mounts on ebay and other places that will hold a typical single cell 18650 type torch without issue usually for ~ $10-$15. Not to mention that there are cheaper places to buy a torch. A typical Convoy S2 or S3 cost maybe $15-$20 and works great either on the bars or helmet. Of course if you are using two torches and just starting out you also have to buy batteries and a charger as well so everything added up; 4 x 18650's, one four bay charger, two torches, couple mounts....~ $80-$100 depending on what and where you buy.

Now with everything I just said above you could easily buy two cheap Chinese made dedicated bike lights for about the same cost and and be set. Adding to that two bike lights tend to provide better beam patterns and usually will have better run times. Nothing wrong with using torches. I'm just pointing out the other options that are available for the same cost or less.

 

I like the Twofish mounts for about $10. https://www.amazon.com/TwoFish-9-Lockblocks-Flashlight-Holder/dp/B001CJXB5E

I own a Streamlight Stinger HPL that I won at work. It's a decent light, but personally I don't like length for mounting on the bars. In my opinion a single 18650 or 21700 light is a better option.

 

Can you post a pic showing the beam of the smaller torch at night?

 

Cat-man-do, thanks for your input. I like ths setup for a few reasons. I believe you get what you pay for, and the stinger torch is a good one. Yes its large, but thats because it has a large battery for longer run time, and a larger lens that throws light further. A small body in flashlight means a smaller beam and run time.
And this mount is rock solid. The torch does not bounce at all, and the mouunt is never going to break. I put this together for $0 with stuff I already had...not bad for free! This pic shows the beam on the middle (350 lumen) setting. Throws a very usable beam out to 50 yards or better. Much better than my old halogen nite-rider in every way.

 

I was able to take a picture of the streamlight battery from my Stinger next to a 21700.

Streamlight = 7.92 watt hours
21700 = 18.9 watt hours

Just showing that despite the smaller size, the 21700 has about 2.4x the energy. Batteries like this are why you don't have to run a long light on your bars

 

Just showing that despite the smaller size, the 21700 has about 2.4x the energy. Batteries like this are why you don't have to run a long light on your bars

View attachment 1220402

:eekster: Shock and Awe! First, I'm surprised that someone is actual able to buy a 21700 cell. This is the first time I've seen them actually being sold. A quick check of the web now shows that there are places selling these.

That said I was about to call BS on the claimed capacity of the Acebeam 5100mAh 21700 cell. Then I saw that someone on CPF did a discharge test on one and came up with ~ 4850mAh!....that is freaking awesome! Can't help but wonder who actually makes this cell. Acebeam is a torch manufacture. It has their wrapper on the cell but that only means the protection circuit is theirs. Tesla perhaps? *shrug*...Samsung sells the 40T ( 21700 ) which is listing as 4000mAh which also is really good.

Downside is I can't think of any torch manufacturers other than Acebeam that makes a torch using 21700 cells. Can wait to see if anyone will make battery tubes that will retrofit older torches originally designed for 18650. If so those would sell real fast. Not to mention, I can't wait to see cell holders for 21700's :thumbsup:

 

Batteries like that have literally just appeared in the last couple years. It's amazing how rapidly lithium battery tech is progressing.

I cant wait till flashlights other than streamlight (lacking in bang for buck IMO) start becoming widely available that use those cells.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

Looks like the Acebeam battery might be an actual LG M50 INR 21700, ( listed @ 5000mAh )

Interestingly I'm thinking the 21700 LG's might actual work in my Wiz-1 ( using an adapter ). Not sure it would be worth bothering with though as I already have 26650 cells rated for 5000mAh. Nope, if I were to use the Wiz-1 on the helmet I'd be trying to keep the weight as low as possible. That said I'd probably be better off just using one of my LG MJ1's...3500mAh 18650's with an adapter and be good to go.

When it comes to something being mounted to a helmet, the weight issue will always trump the run time issue ( IMHO ). I can deal with switching out batteries. What I can't deal with is something that feels too heavy on my head or is heavy enough to cause my helmet to move too much. Wiz-1 with a 26650 cell on the helmet is just too heavy for me. Luckily I have other 18650 torches that are much lighter...as are the batteries as well.

 

A 21700 battery thread might be a good idea as it is definitly a topic worth discussion. But this thread got a little off track in that was a discussion on mounting a Streamlight Stinger torch...
I actually don't mind the small weight and size penalties of a Stinger torch on a slow moving fat bike in the winter months. It throws a very usable beam, has adequate run time, and uses rechargable batteries. It also is very useful for many other purposes, and I don't intend to buy any other torches anytime soon.
I'm going to run what I brung! 😊